Cat owners are being urged to check whether cat food in their cupboards is on the list of products being recalled following a rise in cases of feline pancytopenia across the country.
Stephanie Young, CTSI Lead Officer for Animal Health and Agriculture, said: “Since April 2021 the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has reported a significant increase in the number of cats reported with pancytopenia and as a result of investigations surrounding the significant increase and a link back in some cases to one feed manufacturer, as a precaution the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has recalled certain brands of pet food, which have been removed from the shelves.
“It is advised that people with cats return any products that they may hold which have been recalled and remain vigilant for any signs of ill health in their cats, and seek the assistance of a veterinary surgeon where there are any concerns.”
The FSA and the RVC continue to investigate the increase in cases of feline pancytopenia, which has been linked to the presence of mycotoxins found in some cat food samples.
The RVC said in a statement: “Our investigations are ongoing and we are still collecting data from practising veterinarians, as well as testing food samples associated with affected and unaffected cats to determine the significance of these findings. We have shared our results with the FSA in order to assist them with their investigations into this matter.”
